This year, rainy weather in the valley extended beyond the usual winter months and rain seems to be unrelenting here. Frequent Western Disturbances could be attributed to this phenomenon.
Western Disturbance (WD) is an extratropical weather system largely originating in the Mediterranean Sea, which brings winter rain and snowfall to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. They travel west to east across Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to northern parts of India. But in the month of March, its effects remain confined to the higher reaches only.
Such unusual weather conditions have raised the brows of farmers as this could have an adverse impact on fruit crops including apples and almond. Several growers have already reported breaking down of branches of almond trees under the weight of continuous rain and snow. The already-blossomed flowers have also fallen off from most of the trees. The damage of crops had started since last month when more than 50 per cent of almond crops of Pulwama in south Kashmir were damaged along with apples in Shopian and Kulgam.
Apple production might not be affected much as the trees have not begun to flower yet. But apples, whose market is driven by season, will definitely not be ready on time. The consequence could be tremendous loss for the farmers.
Jammu and Kashmir contributes nearly 3 per cent of the total fruit production in the country and in the last financial year, the state produced approximately 5400 tonnes of dry fruits. Moreover, in the valley nearly 6 lakh households earn their bread and butter through horticulture and its associated trades.
The agriculture sector will not be affected as much as horticulture because the latter requires a dry season for the flowers to blossom.
According to the latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, Jammu and Kashmir received widespread rain yesterday with Gulmarg recording 7.8 mm, Srinagar 5.1 mm, Qazigund 4.4 mm, Banihal 4.3 mm, Batote 3.6 mm and Katara 1 mm of precipitation. The intensity of rain is likely to increase in next 24 hours as a fresh Western Disturbance is approaching the state.
picture courtesy- J & K Live